Auger not running at full throttle

[Sergeant Slabber]

I have always stated how great my Strikemaster runs and how reliable it is. Last night was my first time out, and I could not get it to run properly. It started and idled fine, but as soon as I would go full throttle to cut, it would bog down and die out. Has anybody had a similar experience, or could make a suggestion on what to do? Thanks!!

[Green&Gold]

I've experienced this from time to time, but rarely. Usually it just tells me I need to let my auger run an extra 30 seconds to warm up. My cure has been to actually drill a half of a hole or so without being quite on full throttle (1/2 to 3/4). Then I bump it up and it works fine. I attribute this to me probably not taking care of my auger the way I should. I beat it pretty good, don't change the spark plug as often as I should, and really don't make any effort to "summerize" it. I know, I'm a bad parent.

[AQUAJOE]

Did you open the breather on the gas cap?

[Bulldoggr]

do you have last years gas in it?

[PierBridge]

Main jet is clogged.

[blkfrg]

Mine did the same thing this year. After running some SeaFoam thru it with a new spark plug the only thing keeping me from being pulled to the ice is the dull blade.

[BIG DS]

PB nailed it. There is a partial clog. Sea-Foam may or may not fix it. The safest way to do it is take the carb off, take the side plates off, and spray it out with some carb cleaner. The diaphragm and gasket kits are about $10. If you do not feel comfortable with this repair find a small engine shop that will take time to tune the thing after the cleaning is done. Or take a moment to go to Big Lake.

[Powerstroke]

I have to agree with aquajoe and luker. Check the no-brainer items. I couldn't get mine to idle right till I realized I never opened the gas cap vent. Now it runs like a champ.

CHeck the obvious before oyu start removing the carb.

[cliffy]

I just got off the lake...had the same problem with my strikemaster......and yes, I forgot to open breather screw on the gas cap...once that was taken care of...away it went....

Check the easy stuff before you start pulling it apart.

[Sergeant Slabber]

Thanks for all the helpful hints guys. Yes, I did have the breather open and it has a fresh tank of juice. I always run the gas out of it in the fall with some sta-bil. It was running just fine before I put it away. I have never changed the plug on it, but it starts up just fine. I'd rather not monkey with the carb, but it sounds like that might be the next logical thing to do.

[cliffy]

I guess I would try replacing the spark plug and running a little seafoam mix thru it.......Good luck.

[PierBridge]

If you don't want to mess with it, I think I could get it running better for you, I'll be around all weekend.

pierbridge at netscape

[Ryan M]

So Sarg~

Did you ever get the holes drilled?

I'll be back in town wed noonish...you heading out thursday or friday?

[Sergeant Slabber]

Got 'er going smooth guys! I put a good amount of SeaFoam in the tank, let it idle for a minute, hit the throttle and she ran like a champ. Now the question is...if I leave that strong amount of SeaFoam in there, will that harm the engine in any way? It doesn't say anything on the bottle and I'm hoping that after running a strong tank through it, that will really clean the gum and varnish out of it. I'm just glad that I didn't have to start ripping the carb apart! Now I've got to find a good metro lake that will produce!

[PierBridge]

No harm at all, it will just smoke a little until the SeaFoam is gone.

[Sergeant Slabber]

Thanks PB! Yeah I noticed that she smoked like a mother today, but she ran top notch.

[mnvikingsfreak]

how much did you put in? my auger is doing the same thing

[Surface Tension]

mnvikingsfreak, when I use seafoam as a engine decarbon treatment I'll use one can(15oz)to a gallon of gas or gas/oil mixture.

[mnvikingsfreak]

ok thanks